One of Arizona’s Best Bartenders Comes Out of Retirement for North Scottsdale Hotspot
Keifer Gilbert is Behind the Cocktail Program at Tell Your Friends, Opening Soon

(PRESS RELEASE March 19, 2024) – Anyone tapped into Arizona’s booming craft cocktail scene over the past decade knows the name Keifer Gilbert – he’s snagged “Best Of”, “Top 10” and “Hall of Fame” honors locally and nationally and led a multitude of projects that have earned some of the industry’s highest accolades.

At the top of his game, Keifer stepped out of the hospitality scene three years ago and into full-time software development. It wasn’t until his friend of more than a decade - Chef Beau MacMillan - came calling a few months ago with a tempting favor – join him in developing the menu at the soon-to-open Tell Your Friends in North Scottsdale.

“When Beau calls, you answer,” said Keifer. “I have no plans to get back into the cocktail industry, so the opportunity to work alongside Beau at Tell Your Friends informally and casually lends itself to a fun passion project where we can collaborate as longtime friends. What resonates with me is that Phoenix has risen in the ranks regarding beverage culture awards - major recognition has flooded this town, and rightfully so. However, North Scottsdale is almost a ghost town when it comes to notable cocktail programs. Tell Your Friends is a testament to the expanding reach and need for cocktail culture in every nook and cranny in the Valley.”

Keifer is no stranger to contributing to the evolution of cocktail culture in Arizona – he has been part of some of the state's most-recognized bars, with former establishments including UnderTow, Counter Intuitive and Bitter & Twisted, just to name a few.

Slated to open in late April or early May, Tell Your Friends is a sultry cocktail and live music lounge located underneath The Americano and accessed through a nondescript side door. The ultra-luxe, 52-seat venue is a collaboration between Creation Hospitality, owners of The Americano, Mora Italian and others, and Clive Collective, owners of Cala.

Much like the inspiration for the space’s design, the Gatsby-era theme translates into Keifer’s beverage program featuring approximately 20 cocktails rooted in the classics. A few showstoppers include More Hops to the Mix, a full-palate, tequila-based drink that incorporates citra hops, sous vide into a syrup, along with serrano peppers, lime, pineapple and a pinch of salt; I’m in the Mood for Love, with fresh red bell pepper syrup, raspberries, gin, Genepy and lemon juice is bold and beautifully well-rounded; and Beeswax-Cured Old Fashioned, which is bottled and finished tableside. Keifer employs a straightforward culinary approach to both the composition and execution of the drinks.

A well-curated menu of elevated small bites created by MacMillan will round out the offering. For guests who can’t resist the allure of the acclaimed pasta, steak and seafood offered upstairs at The Americano, special arrangements can be made to satisfy most cravings.

Open Thursday through Sunday from 5:00pm until late night, guests of Tell Your Friends will enter a dimly lit vestibule enhanced by dramatic floral wallcoverings and a black-tile accented staircase that leads to the intimate lounge. Upon the descent, the space begins to come to life as the venue reveals itself with rich maroon velvet drapes, mirrored walls and fanciful lighting. As the curtains are drawn, the focal point emerges – a captivating bar adorned with floor-to-ceiling lights that seamlessly trace their way across the ceiling, creating a dazzling connection to the adjacent stage. The lounge will host nightly performances featuring talented vocalists, musical acts and entertainers who will be inspired by classic sounds while performing anything but the ordinary. The interiors are being done by Basile Studio, a California firm known for its award-winning work at such notable restaurants as Born and Raised and Morning Glory, both in San Diego.

Tell Your Friends is now hiring for all positions, including general manager, bartenders, hosts and servers. To learn more and to be among the first to learn about the spring opening date and when reservations open, visit TellYourFriendsAZ.com.

About Creation: Creation is a rapidly growing, versatile firm involved in real estate development, hospitality brand inception and alternative investments. Founded by David Sellers and Bob Agahi, the company has a current pipeline of over $4.4 billion of ground-up developments across six states. Operating at the industry’s highest standards, Creation is experienced in every facet of the development process with all services expertly handled in-house including purchase, entitlement, design, construction and sale. Creation Ventures, the firm’s alternative investment platform, has co-founded four companies since 2015 and participated in the funding of more than 90 burgeoning technology startups across the country. With dual headquarters in Phoenix and Dallas, Creation will open a third office in New York City later this year. For two consecutive years, the firm has landed on Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 list, making it one of the fastest-growing companies in America. For more, visit CreationEquity.com.

About Clive Collective: Clive Collective stands as a pioneering force in the world of hospitality management. Established in 2020 by industry veterans Mikis Troyan and Justin Massei, their mission is to enrich the hospitality landscape with a tapestry of genuine and transformative experiences. At the core of Clive's vision is a commitment to shaping the social fabric by conceiving hospitality and lifestyle concepts that seamlessly blend passion for real estate, avant-garde design, distinctive architecture and indelible memories. In Clive's quest for excellence, Clive has proudly partnered with Celebrity Chef Beau MacMillan, elevating the company’s dedication to crafting unparalleled hospitality experiences that seamlessly blend innovative design with exquisite cuisine. Together, Clive Collective embarks on endeavors that are not only purposeful but also inherently delightful, propelling the company to continually pioneer and reimagine the hospitality industry.

Keifer Gilbert to Helm Beverage Program at Swanky Underground Lounge “Tell Your Friends”